Social Work Associate - Non-Merit

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice.  Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

Regular Schedule:  34 Hours Per Week.

A Non-Merit vacancy exists in the Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services, Community Based Services.

Non-Merit positions are not classified within the Baltimore County Government Classification and Compensation Plan.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this classification may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

All interested candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You must attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. 

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of license, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.Job Purpose
Under general supervision of the Homeless Prevention Program Supervisor, determines eligibility of applicants for social services programs and provides case management, service planning and referral to another agency or professional.

Essential Job Duties

• Conducts interviews and reviews applications for assistance with housing stability.
• Collects, records, and evaluates information obtained to determine eligibility for social services programs.
• Coordinate, receives, and acts upon referrals, inquiries, and applications for social services programs.
• Processes forms and issues financial assistance as appropriate.
• Maintains continuing contact with individuals and landlords receiving services.
• Acts as a liaison for clients between different programs.
• Prepares and maintains HMIS and client records. 
• Prepares reports and summaries of client information and services rendered.
• Provides assessment and service planning to link clients with housing stability and self-sufficiency services according to established criteria.
• Provides case management and makes appropriate referrals. 
• Provides limited counseling services as needed.
• Makes home visits to provide service delivery. Conducts on-site inspections of living areas, coordinates and participates in relief efforts.

Emergency Operations:  Participates as needed in agency’s mandated obligation to provide mass care and shelter under direction of County or State Emergency Operations Center.

Examples of Other Duties 

• Participates in community relations activities.
•  Provides transportation as needed. 
• Attends hearings, meetings, and training. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for this position. They may not include all of the essential job functions of this position. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Required Qualifications
Possession of a bachelor's degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of human behavior.
• Knowledge of current social, economic, and health problems.
• Knowledge of the functions of community health and welfare organizations and programs.
• Writing skill necessary to complete forms, case histories, and reports. 
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to gather and assess information and to apply guidelines for eligibility or suitability.
• Ability to interpret program guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations.  
• Ability to identify needs of individuals including crisis intervention. 
• Ability to make appropriate referrals. 
• Ability to diffuse hostile situations and clients.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 
• Ability to read and understand professional journals and other publications. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Full Performance)

• Knowledge of the organization and role of assigned program within the County and State social and human services structure. 
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable Federal, State, and local regulations, procedures, and guidelines, including those of courts and criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of alternative resources for clients.
• Knowledge of County and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relating to performance of duties.
• Skill in gathering and assessing information and applying guidelines for eligibility or suitability. 
• Skill in interpreting program guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations.  
• Skill in identifying needs of individuals including crisis intervention. 
• Skill in making appropriate referrals. 
• Skill in diffusing hostile situations and clients.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to assist in the development of service plans. 
• Ability to coordinate and review the work of others.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a license, issued by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) is required at the time of application.

Possession of a valid license equivalent to a non-commercial, class C Maryland driver's license may be required for some positions at the time of appointment.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education may result in your application not being considered.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: Social Work Associate-Non-Merit
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

You must attach your transcript(s) or license(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Employees must maintain licenses and certifications throughout the course of their employment.

Some positions in this classification may be required to respond to emergency situations and work overtime with little or no notice.  Travel between work sites and fieldwork is required.

Physical and Environmental Conditions
These positions are essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, lifting, or other restricted physical activity.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete a physical examination, drug screening and employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education certification and fingerprinting checks.

Salary : $23 - $32